This physical therapist clinical specialist is assigned to the Pain Management Program, the incumbent serves as a consultant and subject matter expert in the treatment of persistent pain conditions. This knowledge has been acquired through experience in the evaluation and treatment of patients with pain and routine to complex musculoskeletal conditions. Incumbent will be familiar with current literature on the neuroscience of pain principles and the bio-psychosocial approach to pain management. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. The basic requirements for employment as a VHA physical therapist are prescribed by Public Law 96-151 codified in 38 U.S.C. § 7402. To qualify for appointment, all applicants for the position of physical therapist in VHA must meet the following: Citizenship. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned. Education and experience. The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: (1) Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy AND five (5) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (2) Master's degree in Physical Therapy AND two (2) years of progressively independent experience as a physical therapist. (3) Doctorate degree in physical therapy. NOTE: Prior to 1995 the terminal degree for PT's was either a bachelors or master's degree. In 1995 CAPTE accredited all baccalaureate, master's, and Doctor of Physical Therapy terminal degree programs. Effective 2002, CAPTE changed its scope of accrediting activities of PT education programs to include only those programs that culminate in post-baccalaureate degrees(eliminating the baccalaureate degree). Effective 2015, professional physical therapy education programs have only offered the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students. NOTE: Individuals must be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited college or university. The CAPTE is the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs. Verification of accredited programs may be obtained from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at www.apta.org. Licensure. Individuals hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Non-licensed PTs, who otherwise meet the basic requirements in this standard, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate PT at the GS-11 grade level under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D) for a period not-to-exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such PT provide care only under the supervision of a PT who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. NOTE. Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetency or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the state for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C 7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to licensed physical therapists on VA rolls as of November 30, 1999, provided the individual maintains a continuous appointment and is not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification. Loss of Credential. A PT who fails to maintain the required license must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation, if qualified, and if a placement opportunity exists. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. Creditable Experience: (1) Knowledge of Contemporary Professional Physical Therapy Practice. To be creditable, a candidate must have demonstrated possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the scope of physical therapy practice. The candidate's experience may be evidenced by one or more of the following: Active professional practice. Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional PT as defined by APTA or the appropriate licensing board. Experience gained after graduation but prior to licensure is creditable provided the candidate was utilized as a graduate PT and subsequently passed the licensure examination. Completion of a post-graduate fellowship or a post-graduate residency program may be substituted for creditable experience on a year for year basis. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was post degree experience as a professional PT and is directly related to the duties to be performed. Qualifying experience must also be at a level comparable to or exceeding the professional PT experience at the next lower grade level. Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. GS-13 Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist). Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level and one of the following: 1. Evidence of a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice directly in the specialty area. This time must be between the past two and five years. or 2. Board Certification in the specialty area recognized by the ABPTS. or 3. Completion of a fellowship program. or 4. An additional advanced degree in a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the all following KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Advanced knowledge and expert skill in a range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities used in a specialized treatment area of physical therapy. 2. Ability to serve as a consultant and subject matter expert for health care providers regarding the delivery of care within a specialized content area of physical therapy. 3. Ability to teach and mentor medical center staff in a specialized content area of physical therapy. 4. Ability to guide the work of a multi-disciplinary team in a specialized content area of physical therapy. 5. Advanced knowledge and expert skill to perform and interpret specialized procedures and tests in evaluating the treatment outcomes in the assigned specialty content area. References: VA Handbook 5005/99, Part II, Appendix G12, February 7, 2018. The full performance of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Day to day work involves light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds) and use of fingers. ["The pain management physical therapist will be familiar with current clinical practice guidelines and best evidence for the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal conditions under the Biopsychosocial Model of Care. Clinical Functions: Demonstrate a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives for the population of the Pain Program. Perform tests and measurements of muscles, nerves, range of motion, posture, strength, ambulation, circulatory and respiratory status using various mechanical and electrical means. Perform and interpret results of tests and measurement of the patient's condition for use in preparing a treatment plan, modifying treatment, and evaluating results of treatment. Exercise originality in solving problems not covered in written guidance, make innovative adaptations of clinical procedures to meet the complex and highly varying needs of the patient population and advise other health care team members and students in this regard. Perform complex physical therapy evaluation and treatment for male and female patients aged 18-85+ years old. Stage of life is considered and used to modify evaluation and treatment based on the needs of the individual. Assessment of the patient's learning needs is performed, and patient education is tailored to meet those needs involving the patient, family and significant others in the process as appropriate. Involve the patient, family, and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication. Plan and implement a comprehensive treatment regimen designed to maximize functional potential of the patient, using a myriad of treatment modalities and procedures, including neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, electrical stimulation, sensory integration techniques, positioning, application of assistive devices and joint protection techniques, and work toward established goals. Adapt and apply treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who have a combination of severe cognitive, emotional, or physical conditions. Treatment will be provided in the clinic, in the facility, and in the community as appropriate for the patient's needs. Demonstrate independent problem-solving skills that allow for frequent modification of treatment plans in response to subtle, but significant changes in patient condition. The employment of innovative treatment techniques is used to obtain the best outcome. The coordination of multiple treatment approaches simultaneously is needed to accomplish complex treatment objectives. Assess for and request prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and make modifications as necessary. Provide appropriate complementary and alternative therapies which may include Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki, and Biofeedback. Assist in the scheduling of patients according to the physical therapy treatment plan while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility. Maintain consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted PT practice and facility and pain management policy. Assist in the care of patients not in the Pain Management Program as caseload permits, or as the needs of the department dictate. Maintain a workload consistent with the standards established by the Physical Therapy Section and the Pain Management Clinic. Education: Develop and provide individualized clinical training experience for physical therapy students. Share knowledge and expertise about the scope of physical therapy practice and services provided to the Pain Management Program population within Specialty Care services, medical center, and community. Complete educational activities and competencies to maintain state licensure and any additional certification(s) as required by the certifying/licensing agency and the VA. Complete annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line, and Department. Administrative: Actively participate in program development for the Pain Management Program to improve efficiency and quality of care provided to patients. Attend educational and development meetings for PM&R Service and Pain Management Program. Adhere to the Veterans Administration values, mission, rules, policies and procedures, and the American Physical Therapy Association Standards of Practice and Standards of Ethics to ensure quality patient care. Aware of safety concerns, regulations, policies and procedures, and employ appropriate safety practices. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:30am to 4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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